Hat-sizing machine



Oct. 18, 1927.

HAT -slzING MACHINE Filed Dec. 27, 1923l 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 1,645,581 G. S. BOESCH f u ATTORNEY Oct. 18, l

y 1,645581 G. S. BOESCH HAT SIZING MACHINE Filed Dec. 27, '1923 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 '4f/ '52 2 2f f l 5 :NVENTQR wwwa@ ,u- ATTORNEY Patented Oct. 18, 1927.

UNITED STATES HATTSIZLNG- MAQINE.;

Application led December 27, 192.3'. Serial No. 682,862.

This` invention relates to' hat felting orV hat' sizing machines. A

One-of the objects of this invention is to provide a.` simple but thoroughly practical constructiony for machines of vthe above-mentioned character andA one that will berv rugged,

durable, and well adapted' to meet they ree' quirements. off hard practical use. Another objectIisfto-provide a hat sizing machine that willbeofthoroughlyuniform action, and of such construction and arrangement'that uniformity of action, not only throughout the varying reqliliirements of practical use, but also-throng out long continued periods o f practical use',v will be effectively and inexpensively achieved. Another object of this 1nvention is to provide an apparatus of the above character of simple yet thoroughly dependable manual control and capable of'effective manual actuationwith minimum effort-or 'attentionP on the part vof the operator. Another `object ofthis invention is to provide a sizing-macliine capable of "effective and'uniform sizing or felting action; another object is to provide-a slzing machmecap'able of sizing colored'` or dyed materials for hats. Other objects will be in part obvious or in part pointed out hereinafter. Y

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combinations of elements,` and arrangements-ofV parts as will be exemplified in the structure to be hereinafter described'and thescope of the application of which lwill be indicated in the follow'- ing claims.

In the accompanying drawings, in which is shown`- one of various possible embodiments ofthis lnvention,

Figure 1is a front elevation of a sizingv machine, certain parts beingomitted or broken away to show more clearly certain features of construction,

VFigure'2 is aside View of the apparatus as lseen'from the right-hand end of Figure 1.,v

Figurei'is asectlona-l vlew of a. preferred form of partv of the holding mechanism,

Figure 4 isa fragmentary' view 'of aportionl` of the bearing construction and more?" Y particularlyas :seen along thefline 4-4 of Fi p re 2," p

igure is a sectional vienv on an enlarged scale as `seen on the line'- 'of Figure 2,

Figure is asectional View on an enlarged 'scaefas seen'on thezlineS-# of Figure 5,

Figure 7 is a sectional view on an enlarged scale taken on the linef77 of Figure 1.

Flgure 8 is a' detached View on4 an enlarged scale showing the construction and mounting* of the stop as well as'of the spring supportf mg` arm associatedl with one of the rolls, and

Figure 9- is a fragmentary'elevation, partlyin section, of amodified form of roll construction. I

Figure 10'is a' fragmentary View of a roll construction. Similar reference characters refer to" similar parts throughout the several views `of the drawings. Y

Referring `now tothe drawingsV and more: particularly to Figures 1 and 2, there are,v shownltwo spaced frame membersor standards 10 and 11, suitably heldrigidly in' spaced relation to'form'a 'supporting frame work vvfor the operative mechanisms, the

lower yportions of these standards being broken away. Adjacent the" forward upper portions of the standards 10 .and 11, or at the left-hand end thereof, asfviewed in F iglure2, these standards'are formed or shaped to provide ar substantially semi-circularly shaped recess, as aty 12 in Figure 2, each're? cess adapted to accommodate a bearing housingv generally indicated at 13and provided with oppositely disposed and substantially horizontally extending ears orflugs' 14 and 15 adapted to rest'upon the upper face of the standards '10 and 11. Thusv inFigurefl is shown the bearing housingl?)v associated with thestandard 11 and another bearing housing 16 of ysubstantially similarconstruction associa'ted with the standard 10. The` bearingl housings support', by a'bearing construction to be moreclearly hereinafter described, a shafty 17 supporting for rotation therewith and intermediate of the standards 10 and 11, a sizingroll, the construction ofwhich will be more clearly described hereinafter.v

Each of the ears'14` and l15 associated with the bearing housings is provided with af'slot 18, more clearly shown in Figure-4, whence'it will benoted that the shape of this slot 18l is preferably substantially oval. A cap-screwy 19 passes' 'through'vthe slot 18 in"each""ear'andf i is threadedinto thestandard with which ymay` be rigidlyiheld in position withY respect to the standardf Atthis point it might'be l `*noted that thve re'c'essl'12in the 'l:standardv 11,

for example, is of suiiicient expanse to accommodate loo-sely therein the bearing housing 13 and that by means of the shape of the slot in the ears, coacting With the cap-screw 19, the bearing housing and the shaft supported thereby may be adjustably positioned With respect to the supporting standard or standards and With respect to the remaining parts of the apparatus. Y Y

Adjacent the rear upper portion of the standards lO and 1l, or at the right-hand end thereof as seen in Figure 2, each standard is similarly recessed as at 20 to receive and support adj ustably a bearing housing, one of which is shown in Figure 2 at 21, and adapt ed to support rotatably therein a shaft which carries one of the several rolls of the apparatus. The bearing housings in which the shaft 22, of what may be termed the rear roll, is supported, are of substantially similar construction as the bearing housing i3 hereinbefore described, and are secured to `the standards in substantially similar manner. The shaftsof the rolls thus directly supported by the main frame or standards 10 and 11 maythus be readily brought into proper alignment one with the other, 'hus insuring the alignment not only of the respect-ive rolls carried thereby, .but also of the coacting driving connections between the shafts. Moreover, it will be noted that. the bearing housings, in which their associated shafts and respectivefelting rolls are supported, may `be readily disconnected from the main frame of the machine, as for example, by removing the' cap-screwsV 194 which clamp the housings to the main frame. s

Referring still to Figures 2 and l of the drawings, it Will benoted. that the shaft 17 supports a sizing roll generally indicated at 23 and that the shaft 22supports a coacting sizingroll generally indicated at Either one of these shaftsmay be driven in anyV suitable manner as'by `a pulley (not shown) for example from any suitable source of power, and preferably the shaft 17 is thus. made the main driving shaft. At its lefthand end as viewed in Figure l, the shaft li? carries a sprocket 25 which connects With,

and drives a sprocket 26, rigidly mounted on the shaft 22, through a connecting driving chain 27, 'these parts beingl` diagrammatically indicated in Figure 2. The rolls 23 and 2l, the preferred construction of which will be hereinafter detailed, upon rotation form togetherfa trough-like support in which the material to be felted may be placed `and rotated and operated upon for felting action. rlChe felt hat bodies arepreferably rolled up, severalat a. time, in, a suitable cloth preliminarily to` beingplacedin the f elting machine.V These hat bodies, it-may at this point be noted, are in generalof a conical shape or form, and when attened out and rolled to- -gethendorm a bundle Whcbfis peculiarly non-uniform and irregular. This bundle is adapted to be acted upon by the rolls 23 and 24 hereinbefore generally identified and by a third roll, generally indicated at 28, this roll 28 being adapted to be brought into proximity to the remaining rolls for conjoint coaction thereof upon the bundle of hats.

Considering nou7 the mounting` of the roll 28, it Will be noted that the roll 28 is supported upon a driving shaft 29 which in turn is supported for rotation in a pairof trans-:- versely spaced frame members 30 and 3l (see Figure l). These frame members 30 and 3", are prefe 'ably associated ivi-th the main frame lO-'-l1 so as to be pivotedy with respect thereto, thus topermit the roll 2S io be variably positioned With respect to the remaining coacting rolls. The auxiliary spaced frame members 30 and 3l are, moreover, preferably` pivoted to move about the anis which is coincident with the axisof thershaft 22 of the roll 24, as will be clear from Figure 2. y the members 30 and 3l are sleeved transversely Vthereof shown at in Figure in connection with themember 31,'and this sleeved portion 32 is in rotatable en gagemei-lt ivith a seeve-lilre extension 33 of the bearing housing 2l in which ,theshaft 221s rotatably supported. VThis construction is For this purpose, theloiver .ends of clearly shown in Figure 5 in connection with the member 3l, and it will be understoml that the member 30 is similarlyrelated at its lower endY to the parts of the apparatus :it the otherV end of the shaft 22. The spaced members 8O and Stare rigidly connected to gether, so as to Jform ari gid movableframe member, as by the transversely extending plate member Sel. (see Figures l and 2) which is preferably securely bolted at its respective ends to the spaced members 30 and 3l.

One outer end ofthe Ashaft 22 carries a sprocket .35 (see Figure 1)..Which is yconnected as by means of the chaing to a sprocket 37 rigidly mounted upon the left-v hand end of the shaft. `29, in order-,thus to transmit tbe desired rotary.movementto the roll 28. As will be clear `from Figure the rigidly connected spaced members 3() and 31 may thus be freely moved to carry the roll 28 toward or au'ay from its coacting rolls While maintaining the driving connection to the roll 28 throughout its variou-srelative movements. Moreover, it may also, at this point,

VVbeqnoted that in pivotally mounting the frame carrying the roll 28`upon the bearing `housings 2l (in which the shaft 22 is supl ported) there is assured not onlya rapid and Vconvenient assembly of the apparatus, but also a rapid disassembly of the parts Considering now more specifically the supporting `of the shaft 29 in the auxiliary movable frame, it vvill be noted that the shaft 29` isrotatably supported in 4bearing hous-.v ings 38 of substantially similar construction,-

llll= idee lill) laster as that of the bearing hou-sings hereinbefore described in connection with,v the shafts 17 and 22 ofthex rolls 23 and Que spective` ly, excepting that the bearing housings 3 8 are provided with: radially extending lugs or ears 39 (see Figure 2)"ivhi`ch servetohold the housings 38 in connection with "thief spaced meinbersBQ and 31 by,meansofsuit-v able bolts or cap-screws '40, the latter passing through slots inthe ears 39 of a general oval 'slia`pe,'as hereinbefore described in con'- nection with Figure 4. rthere is thus provided a capacity for adjustablyrpositioning each bearing Vliousi1ig38 at the respective ends of` the shaft 29, in order that theflattery y with its associated roll28 maybe properlyv alioned with' the remaining and coacting rollsA of the apparatus It may be pointed out that for uniformity of feltingforl sizing action', the pressuresapplied to the bundle of'` hats betweenthe rolls shouldvbe'substantially uniformly distributed throughout the materialV operated upon, and that the` above described construction the proper align-ment of the coacting rolls with subsequent uniformity of action may be readily achieved, or irregularity ofaction of the apparatus readily'corrected. f

As hereinabovenoted, the bundle of hats operated upon is `peculiarly' irregular in shape vand may Well bey said to be not only of non-uniform thickness throughout `its length, but alsowof'non-uniform thickness or diameter through any plane taken trans- `versely about its axis ofv rotation when placed.betweenv the plurality of rolls. yThe effect upon themovable roll ofthis peculiaiiity is a reaction thereupon Whichl results inv tending to Warp orY twist the movable y Jfraine in such mann-erv as to bring the shaft 29 of the roll 28 out ofV alignment with 'the remaining rolls, an-d yresults in an uneven Wear upon the vshaft 29, as well as'upon the bearings supporting this shaft. This ff eftectin practice is of such material extent that defective action of the-apparatus soon results, and the defect thus produced in the shaft' or Vshafts results in the discarding not only ofthe shaft it'self,'but also ofthe roll with which the shaft,in the vusual forms, is intimately associated. This Wearingaivay: of the shaft is, furthermore, greatly elihanced by the fact that,v the apparatus is operated normally in an atmosphere'of i" steam,v While vthe material operated upon "stood by thoseski'lled-'in the art.

and hence theirolls and the entire apparatus are' 'operatedwith a plentifulv supply ofl Water atlhigh temperature; A vat 90, lin-edY preferably 'with a non-absorbent`material, such as sheet-metal,- as at 9 1 for holding a supply' ofi hot Water. is supportedfundei? neath t-he rollsby the vmainfrainelOll, andinto this vatthe hats operated upon are periodicallf' dipped'lasrvill be Well under- TQ, eliminate* the above-mentioned and other defects anctdisa'dvantages is one ofy the dominant aimsl of this invention,` and ing, the shaftsofthe,remaining rolls With` which thelmovable, roll 28 coacts, and hence the preferred embodiment of tli-ese features of this.,A invention may befdescribed by reference to Figure of the vdrawingsA in Which is shown insertion the bearing construction employed in connection With the shaftQQ- of the roll, 24. y t

Turningnovv to Figure of the drawings, there isA shoivnatf41 a metallic end or hub member for the roll which is supported upon the shaft 22 and rotates therewith. The sleeved portion 33 of the bearing housing 2l, isboijejd out to asoineivhat greater diameter than that of the, shaft 22 andrcceives therein ,afbushing 42zclorselyrhtting the shaft 22 and `formed-of any -suitable non-corrosive bearing material, such as bronze, for exam'- ple. v The bushing 42 extends Vinwardly into the mainportion ofthe housing 21Which is bored out as at 21a to snuglyreceive the outerrace 43,0f a ball bearing, theinner rac-e 44 vof which abuts againstfthe bushing 42; Exteriorly of the bearing housing21,

to against, relativev movement therebetween yas by means of 4acpin 46. Intermediate of the collar 45xand theinner .race 44'fis positioned'a collar 47 Whichis free to move with respect tothe shaft.22.- The collar 45 has threaded Ithroughl it va. suitable'number of screwvs'48 adapted to abuty against the collar 47 and to urge the latter with the inner race 44 and the bushing42'against the metal hub the shaft22carries a collar 45 secured therei member 41 of the'roll on the shaft 22. 1 The collar 47 thus securely clamps the inner race 44and the bushing 42 against the hub 4l, thus insuringr the rotation of these' parts with' thesha'ft and their yproperl coaction with their respective` coacting bearing surf faces, asthe outer .race 43 and the inner bearing rsurface of the sleeve-like extension 33. 'A cap 49 of annular shape is fitted over the end-of vthe bearing housing Qiandsecured 4thereto vas screws 50,. it being noted that'the' cap member v49 -inay be suitf ably formed, as at 49d, as Y.clearly shown in Figure 5, to; assist in holding' the kouter -race 43 against-a Suitably `formed anular shoul-l iae der 21b at the inner portion of the bearing housing 2l.

It will be noted that the bearing housing is thus substantially enclosed, and is preferably Well packed with grease or some suitable lubricant, the latter acting to prevent the ingress of moisture or Water vapor to the active parts of the bearing. It will also be noted that the shaft 22 is nowhere subjected to ivear, the ball-bearing being primarily effective to take up the thrusts imposed upon the shaft, and the bushing 42, coacting with the relatively long bearing surface of the sleeve-like extension 33 of the housing 2l acting to prevent ingress of moisture or Water vapor from the other or inside end of the bearing construction, It may also be pointed out that the bushing 4t2 n ay be readily removed so that incase of substantial Wear thereon a new bushing may be substituted.

The roll on the shaftmay be rigidly secured thereto in any suitable manner, as for example, by means of the set-screw ila sociated With the hub member t1 (see Figure Inasinuch as the bearing support for the other end of the shaft of the roll is of like construction as hereinbefore described, the

roll may be rigidly clamped through the 30` bushings and inner races of the bearing construction at its respective ends and thus held rigidly upon the shaft.- rlhe adjusting screws in the collars 48 (see also Figurel) may thus serve to clamp effectively, in rigid assembled relation, all of the several parts mounted upon the shaft and interposed th ereloetiveen.

As hereinabove noted, this bearing construction, While of primaryfiinportance in connection with the upper or movable roll 2S, because of the peculiarly and non-uniform react-ions to which this roll is subjected, is preferably embodied in the supporting bearings for the remaining' rolls. Y

Considering now the construction -of the rolls, it maybe pointed out that in so far as certain features of this invention are coucerned, these rolls may be of any suitable construction and may, for example, take the form of the usual Wooden cylinders provided With suitable projections, made of Wood or other material. there the rolls Y are constructed of Wood. I prefer to malte throughthe end-cap 5l andy into the respective sections of thel roll 5l to hold the parts against relative axial movement. The endcap 52 forms with the reduced end of the roll sections 5la and 51h a drivingfit, thus' securely holding the parts together and insuring a positive drive of the roll from the shaft through the end-cap itself.

Considering noW the preferred construction for the rolls, it might first be pointed solidly and ,thoroughly inter-locked or interfelted, and thus the resulta-nt hat body is one which, as to its texture, is so solid that a thorough penetration of the dyes is brought about with difficulty and with the expenditure of great intervals of time. The

dyeing, however, may be much more readily and more elliciently and effectively brought about if the hat bodies are dyed prior to the fel'ting or shrinking or sizing operation. Prior to the sizing, the texture of the hat bodies is soft and loose and the fibers are merely sufficiently interlocked to maintain the integrity of structure of the hat body. In this condition the dye may uniforn'ily'aud tlioroughly pene rate and affect all of the fibers throughout the relatively slight thickness of the material, and the dyeing operation may be achieved in much shorter time.

In order that the advantages of dyeing` the hat bodies prior to th-e'shrinking or felting operation may loe achieved, the felting apparatus must be capable of uniform felting action in order that uniformity of color in the shrunken hat body be achieved and also lthe sizing apparatus must be unaffected vby the dye itself in order that variously colored hat bodies may be successively and indiscriminately operated upon. I prefer, therefore, to make the rolls proper of the apparatus of metal, and in Figure 5 Aof the drawings is shown fragmentarily and in cross section a hollow substantially cylindrical roll 53 provided With integrally formed end sections 53 which are suitably bored out to receive the supporting shaft, as the shaft 22. The roll proper 53 may bc made of a suitable non-corrosive metal, such as aluminum, for example, and its end portion 53a is under-cut as at 53" to be received, with a driving fit into the annular flanged portion lib of the hub member 4l, the lat-ter being preferably locked to the shaft 22` as for example, by the setscrew 41a. The positive driving ofthe-rollv is thus assured.

The back roll, hereinbeforegenerally designated at 24; (see Figure 2) Yand the upper or movable roll7 hereinbefore desigy natedl at 28 (see Figure 2) areV preferably et similar eonetru-ction iu. so 4tar as the "iii project-ions thereon are concerned. In Figures and 6`is 4shown a preferred embodiment lof the construction for these rolls. In these figures it will be noted that Athroughoii't they periphery of the cylindrical roll proper 53, the latter is milled out to provide a plurality lo fl'irefe'rably axially enfvtending recesses 53. rl`hese recesses 53c may conveniently extend throughout the length of the roll proper Vand maybe uniformly distributed throughout the periphery as indicated in Figure 6.

Seated within the recesses 53c and spaced alternately one vfrom another both in lan axial direction and a peripheral direction (see Figure y1) are a plurality of yprojecting members 54, known also as lags These lags 54 are preferably formed of a noncorrosive, non-absorbent fibrous material, and a preferred material known as inicarta. This inaterialcoinprises fabric as a base, is suitably chemically bonded and is waterproof. It is relatively rigid, and like the roll proper 53 is 'i'ioiieabsorbe'nt of the dyes. It possesses, hoirvever, the requi7 site qualitiesnecessary for efficient fel'tiiig action, Aas will be more clearly set forth hereinafter.

In so fai' the back roll and the upper roll are concerned, :the lags 54 are fitted or Vseated in the recesses 53c and are provided with undercut end portions 54 (see Figure at which portions the lags 54 are secured to the roll proper 53 as by meaiisof 'the screws 55. The lags 5&1, in being'thus` seated in their respective recesses are well supported against thrusts exerted thereon and transversely thereto during their operation, and it will be noted that the individual lags are readily detached in order that replace ments thereon, due to wear, for ,'eXain'ple, may be readily made.

Considering now the front roll, and hereinbefore designated at .23 `(see Figures 1.and Q), the roll proper23 (see also Figure?) is preferably Ymade upl :of a hollow metallic member having thesame characteristics as the roll proper53 hereinbefore described in connection with Figures 5 and 6. The recessesin the outcrsurface of the roll bas-e 23, however, extend peripherally for receiving the projecting members, and preferably form a continuous spirally arranged recess 23a' extending from oiie end of the roll4 base 23 to the other as will be'clear from ,a consideration of` Figure 1. The pi`o jecting ,parts ofthe front roll comprise preferably *arcuate sections, preferably each of ,180 in angular eXtent, and in Figure 7` is shown one fof these sections .at 56. These projecting members are vinadevof a material having thelsaine characteristics heiieinbefore described in connection with Ithe lags 54 of the back and upper'rolls.

Each section 56 is under-cut as at #56a at the upper portion of one end thereof and as at 56B' the under portion jof "the ,otherv 'end thereof. Adjacent sections 'sucha's '56 'and 57, for example, (Figure/7) thus oveilap pne another and through these overlapping iinder-cut portions of adjacent s ections is 'passed a suitablev securing device,

fand is thus vwell supported against thrusts exerted thereon and' in a direction trans` versely thereth. t will also b'e'noted that that the projecting membersv 56,'57, etc.,

Q.Verlap one another at ltheir adjacenteiids,

and `may 'be individually replaced at will. e Before taking Vup in detail the action of the apparatus, it will be noted that the upper vroll 28', in being mounted in the mov able auxiliary frame, may be inoved toward or away 'from the remaining rolls in order to rpermit the insertion therebetween of the bundle of hats and the application thereto of' the requisite rolling pressures. The spaced members 30 and 31 are extended forwardly 'at their upper ends as at 30a and 31a respectively, and in order to secure added rigidity to the movable auxiliary frame, kthe upper forward ends 30 and 31L are rigidly connected together by a transversely extending brace 59 which preferably takes lthe form of a tubular member made up of two sections 59a and 59, each threaded at one end thereof into 'suitably formed bosses at lthe ends of the `members 3()EL and 31a, as is clearly shown in Figure 1. The two sections 59n and 59D are rigidly connected at their spaced adjacent ends by means of a sleeve member 60, cut away centrally at its foi'- ward portion (see Figures 1 `and 2) as at 60a, for a purpose more clearly hereinafter described. The sleeve number 60 has intev grally formed therewith a handle portion 61,

and the respective ends of the sleeve meniber 'BOarerigidly secured to the tubular ysections 59a `vand 59D as by set-screws 62 (see Figure 2) thus permitting the handle 61 to be adjustably positioned at the most' convenient angle fornianually controlling the movement of the auxiliary frame and hence of thel roll 28. Y

Mounted Within the tubular connecting' brace 59 and for relative rotary movement with respect thereto, is an operating rod 63 (see Figures land 2) extending beyond theupperends 30 and 31l'of the spaced roll supporting members 30 and 31 respectively. At these outer ends of the rod 63 are 'rigidly I'nounted the pavvls'fe land 65, each provided with an engaging tooth-lile ineinber 66, and ladapted to coactjii'iith the toothed racks 67 an'd68v respectively. -Tliese'toothed racks are substantially'arcuate in shape,'and thev center of the varc formed uthereby is sub- Sii stantially coincident with the axis about which the movable frame is pivoted. The racks 67 and 68 are rigidly secured at their lower ends to the front upper ends of the standards 11 and 10 respectively, as by means of the bolts 69, and it will be noted that the racks are substantially coincident with the locus of movement of the upper ends of the movable frame.

A spring 70 (see Figure 2) connects the lower ends of the pawls 64 and 65 to the spaced members 0EL and 31a and tends to hold the engaging member 66 of the pawls Ain engagement with their respective racks.

A handle member 71 is rigidly connected to the operating rod 63 intermediate of the tubular sections 59a and 59b and projects outwardly through the cut-away portion 6()ZL of the sleeve member 60, and is normally slightly spaced from the handle portion 61 (see Figure 2).

By means of the handle 61-71, the relation of the upper roll 28 to the remaining' rolls may be positively and accurately controlled, it being noted that the handle means is preferably positioned, as shown in Figure 1, 'adjacent the right-hand end of the apparatus. The movable frame may thus be moved to carry the upper roll 28 toward or away from the remaining rolls to any desired extent. Before describing in detail the action of the locking devices for holding the movable roll in position, it may be pointed out that the bundle of hats operated upon must be subjected to a pressure dependent upon various factors, such as, for example, the quality of the material operated upon, the degree of extent` to which the material or hats have already been sized or shrunk, etc. Upon having inserted the bundle of hats in the supporting trough formed by the lower rolls, the operator, by grasping the handle portion 61, may move the upper roll 28 downwardly to subject the bundle of hats to the desired degree of pressure. It is particularly to be noted that a single unidirectional manual movement suflices to bring this about, inasmuch as the pawls 6st and 65 automatically lock the roll 28 into whatever position it has been moved. The operator is thus relieved of the necessity of locking the movable roll in posit-ion by a separate manual movement, and he may thus devote his attention exclusively to the delicate materials eperated upon.

Upon the bundle of hats having been subjected to the desired degree of rolling action by the rolls, they may thereupon be removed from the apparatus. VThe operator thus grasps the handle means 71-61 and with the same movement in the direction in which it is desired to move the movable roll 2S in this case, away from theV remaining rolls) swings the handle portion 71 in clockwise direction (asv viewed in Figure 2) and the initial movement thus imparted to it swings the operating rod 63 and with it the pawls 64 and 65 thus disengaging the latter from their respective racks. The continued movement thereupon swings the auxiliary frame member 30a- 31a in a direction to move the roll 28 away from the remaining rolls to permit the removal of the bundle of hats. Here also it is to be noted that a single unidirectional manual movement suiiices first, to unlock the roll, and secondly, to move the roll in the desired direction.

In order to assist in the movement of the roll 28 away from the remaining rolls, and thus to relieve the operator of undue physical eii'ort, a spring 72 (see Figure 2) connects 'the movable lframeto a stationary part of the apparatus. This spring 72 thus acts to tend to move the roll 28 away from the re maining rolls. and thus assist the manual operation thereof by the operator. Refer ence to Figure 2 will indicate that the movable roll 28 may be moved in clockwise direction about the axis of the shaft 22 to such an extent that it may be placed to the right of the vertical plane through this axis and thus hold the roll 28 in open7 position, but the spring 72 is preferably employed to assist the clockwise movement of the roll 28 and to hold it in open position.

The spring 72 is connected atits one end through a' pin 73 to one of the spaced frame members as the member 31. At its other end the spring 72 is connected to an arm 74 which is rigidly, but adjustably secured to the main frame. The main frame, or one of the standards, as the standard 11, is provided with a vertically projecting lug (see now Figure 8) both faces of which are toothed as at 75a. One face of the inner end of the arm 74 is likewise toothed as at 74',`

this toothed portion being adapted to interfit with the toothed portion 7 5a of the lug 75. A bolt 76 clamps these parts in intertting engagement and it will be noted that by loosening up the bolt 76 the arm 74 may be angularly displaced with respect to the axis of the bolt 76, thereby to vary the retractive effort of the spring 72. The action of the latter may thus be readily adjusted preferably to substantially counter-balance the movable frame and roll 28, or to contribute materially to the reverse movement of the movable frame and roll 28. j

Against the other side face of the lug 75 and interposed between the head of the bolt 76 and this other face of the lug 75, is positioned a stop arm 77 (see also Figure 2) in substantial alignment with one of the members of the movable frame as the side member 81. The stop arm 77 is squared off at its lower end. as at 77fL to rest against the upper face of the standard 11. and thus is prevented from rotating about the bolt 76. It will thusbe noted that the operator may,

yat Will, predeterniine the degree of action of the spring l72, and that the stop arm 77 limits the retrograde movement of the mov-- able frame with its roll 28.

'Considering now more specifically the action of the apparatus upon the bundle of hats, it may first of all be noted, as hereinbefore set forth, the bundle of hats is of peculiarly irregular shape, and that the movable roll is. subjected to non-uniformly dis- 'tributed reactions. These irregular reactions upon the rollQS, which as alsoabove noted, detrimentally affect the movable frame as Well as the rotatable support for the movable roll 28, are substantially nullitied and the resultant disadvantages avoided in that the movable roll 28 and its supporting frame is positively locked in pressure-applying position by the spaced locking devices (i5-G8 and (M -67. Aside from the rigidity of 'the movable frame, as well as the rigidity of the rotatable support for the movable roll 28, the latter parts are thus effectively locked in pressure-applying position, and twisting or torsion effects upon the frame and roll shaft are effective-ly avoided. The desired uniformityT of rollingl action of the cosoperating rolls is thus consistently maintained throughout the action of the apparat-us, uniform felting is achieved, and unequal Wear on the several coactingparts avoided.

In some cases, it may be desirable to have the movable roll 2O act yieldingly upon the work and I therefore and preferably give the paWl 64 and 65 the form shown in cross section in Figure 3. In this figure it Will be noted that the pawl member comprises a main body portion 7 8 rigidly secured to the operating rod 63, the main body portion 78 being bored out as at 78d to receive slidably therein a cylindrical plunger 79 carrying at its extreme lower end the engaging member 79a for coaction with the rack or ratchet With which the paWl member is associated. At the upper end of the main body portion 78, the latter is bored out as at 78 to a greater extent in order to receive therein and about the plunger 79, a spring 80 reacting against the end wall of the recess 78" and against a nut 79b at the upper end of 'the plunger 79. The spring thus tends to hold the parts in the position shown in Figure 3, and, yit will be noted, permits the engaging member 79a with associated plunger 79 to yield relative to the operating rod 63 and a movable frame. With both pai'vl members 64 and 65 constructed in this manner, the yielding action of the movabler frame'and roll 28 isv equalized at the respectiveends thereof, and these parts may yield with respect to the remaining 'rolls While maintaining the parts in proper alignment in order -to achieve the advantages above noted. M

The rolls arey thus eiectively maintained in condition for consistent unfifori'nv action and for uniform Yvvear thereof, fand, in employing the preferred construction for the rolls and the projecting parts thereon, as hereinbefore described, the hat bodies may be sized or felted after dyeing, and the requisite 70 successive operations upon ldifferently colored hat bodies) but also is exceedingly effective in bringing about a high degree of 'kneading or felting action.y The material lof the projections permits the latter to effectively grip portions of the'parts operated upon and thus positively move such portions relative to other portions, bringing about a highly etilcient kneading or felting action. Moreover, this efficient kneading action is maintained uniform throughout, in an exceedingly simple and effective manner which also contributes materially to the simple manual operation of the apparatus and its durability of construction and reliability of continued action. f

As hereinbefore noted, the vat 90, Which for simplicity of construction, may be made of Wood and thereuponV lined with a suitable non-absorbent material such as the sheet metal lining 91, prevents the' different colors of various successive lots of hat bodies from affecting one another; and, bearing in mind the kneading action of the rolls, I prefer to form in the outer or effective contacting surfaces of the spirally arranged projections or lags a series of transversely extending grooves, shown at 93, in Figure 10, in connection With the fragmentaryy perspective view of the roll proper 23 and the spiral projections 92 thereon. The effective contacting surface of the spirally arranged lags is thus broken up, providing not only an inherent lrneading action in the lag itself as distin-l guished from the kneading action of the lag in its entirety, but also insuring a more effec tive grip upon the bundle of hat bodies. r, relative movement between. contacting or overlapping fabrics is thus insured and the felting together of contacting fabrics of the hat bodiesk is effectively prevented.

, The advantages attendant upon sizing the hat bodies after they have been dyed Vhave hereinbefore been briefly referred to. A distinctive feature of my invention. hoivever,

residesin the conj ointV or simultaneous 'dyeing'.

and sizing of thehat bodies. The solution carrying the color or dye therein is placed directly in the vat 90, maintained at the. re quired high temperature in any suitable man ner, and may have added to it any of the usually employe'dchemicalsor other solu ica lati

tions usually employed to make. the felting or sizing` action more rapid, and the like. The hat bodies, after having` been formed have, as hereinbefore noted, a very soft and loose texture and the fibers of the fabric are merely sufiiciently interloclred to maintain the integrity of structure of the hat body. As hereinbefore note-d also, the hat bodies in this condition may be much more readily and uniformly dyed. When, however, the hat bodies in this condition are taken directly to the sizing or felting machine, and subjected simultaneously to the coloring or dyeing,` of the solution inthe vat and to the felting action of the rolls, a much more ellicient dyeing operation is brought about. The 'dye or color may not only thoroughly penetrate and affect all of the relatively loose fibers of the material, but, as the lrneading' action proceeds, is also `positively and reliably Worked into the texture of the fabric and thus uniformly and positively is made to afl'ect all of the fibers of the hat body or bodies. Thus the time, as well as the distinct and separate step of dyeing, is eliminated while at the same time more beneficial and advantageous results are achieved. As the shrinking of the fabric proceeds, bearing in mind the desirability of maintaining uniformity of kneadinp,- action as hereinbefore set forth, because of the dye, the desired felting or sizing of the hat bodies together with the thorough 'dyeing of the fibers in a uniform manner is achieved.

It will be noted that the above advantages are successfully achieved in addition to the advantage that the condition of the apparatus after operation thereon by one color or dye is such as to be in readiness for operation with Va dye of another color and that subsequent or successive operations with different colors are prevented from detrimentally and mutually affecting' one another.

lt Will thus be seen that there has `been provided in this invention a hat sizing apparatus in Which the several obyects of this invention, as Well as many thoroughly practical advantages are achieved. It will be seen that the apparatus is of highly efficient action, and that hat bodies may bel felted or sized after dyeing` thus achieving' the important practical advantages attendant upon dyeing hats prior to the secure interfelting of the fibers thereof and that the disadvantages attendant upon dyeingl hats after the material thereof has been solidly interfelted re effectively avoided. It Will also be seen that this invention, in providing` for the simultaneous dyeing' and sizing of the hat bodies, achieves still greater or more important practical advantages than those herein` above noted. It may moreover be noted that the consistent uniform action of the apparatus contributes materially to the achievement of these and other important advan-Y tages. It may also be pointed out that the apparatus is of simple manual control and thus reduces to a minimum the attention which the operator must give te the apparatus and its control and permits the operator to devote substantially his entire attention and skill 'to the hat bodies undergoing the felting or sizing' operation.

As many possible eiinbodin'ients may be made of the above invention and as many changes might be made in the embodiment above set forth, it is to be understood that all matter hereinbefore set forth to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingl sense.

I claim as my invention:

l. ln apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, means mounting one of said rolls to permit it to be moved toward or away from the other rolls, a paivl and ratchet mechanism for holding said movable roll in said position lwhen moved in one direction relative to the other rolls, and means for moving said movable roll in the other direction, said means being effective upon an initial movement thereof to disengage said pawl and ratchet mechanism.

2. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a. plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, means mounting' one of said rolls to permit it to be moved toward or away from the other rolls, a mechanism for loclring said movable roll in position When moved toward the other rolls, means formovingl said movable roll away from the other rolls, said means including` a handle member mounted upon said roll mounting means but movable relative thereto, and means responsive upon a relative movement of said handle member with respect to said roll mounting; means for releasingv said locking' means. L'

3. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, means mounting' one of said rolls to permit it to be moved toward or away from the other rolls, a mechanism for locking said movable roll. in position when moved toward the other rolls, and means for movinbT said roll away from the other rolls. said means including` a movable handle member adapted upon an initial movement thereof in a general direction away from the other rolls to release said locking means and upon continued movement to move said roll away from the other rolls.

il. ln apparatus of the characterdescribed, in combination, a plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, means mounting;` one of said rolls to permit it to be moved toward or away from the other rolls, a paivl and ratchet mechanism for holding said movable roll in the position into Which it is moved in one direction relative to the other rolls,and handle means associated. With said roll mounting means arranged and adapted to permit inter-engaging actuation of said pawl and ratchet mechanism when force is apn plied thereto to move said roll in one direction and to release said pawl and ratchet mechanism when force is applied thereto to move said roll in the other dir etion.

5. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, means mounting one of said rolls to permit it to be moved toward or away from the other rolls, a pawl and ratchet mechanism for holding said movable roll in the position into which it is moved in one direction relative to the other rolls, yieldable means connecting one member of said pawl and ratchet mechanism tosaid roll mounting means, and handle means associated with said roll mounting means arranged and adapted to permit inter-engaging actuation of said pawl and ratchet mechanism when force is applied thereto to move said roll in one direction and to release said pawl and ratchet mechanism when force is applied thereto to move said roll in the other direction. v

6. In apparatus of the character described,

in combination, a plurality of rotatable siz-j ing rolls, a pair of spaced movable members in which one of said rolls is journalled and adapted to permit movement of said roll toward or away from the other rolls, a tubular member connecting said spaced members, locking mechanism coacting with one of said spaced members for locking said movable roll in position upon movement thereof, handle means for moving said spaced members, and means controlled by said handle means and mounted for guiding movement within said tubular member for releasing said locking mechanism. I

7.. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, a pair of spaced movable members in which one of said rolls is jour nalled and adapted to permit movement of said roll toward or away from the other rolls, a tubular member connecting said spaced members, locking mechanism Coacting with one of said spaced members for locking said movable roll in position upon movement thereof, handle means for moving said spaced members including a handle portion rigidly mounted upon said tubular member and a coacting handle portion associated therewith but relatively movable with respect thereto, and means passing through said tubular member and responsive to the relative movement of said one handle portion with respect to the other for releasing said locking means.

8. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, al plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, a pair of spaced movable members in. which one of.said rolls is journalled and adapted to permit movement of said roll toward or away from the kother rolls, a tubular member connecting said spaced members, a toothed memberrelative to which saidv spaced members are movable, a pawl movable with said spaced members and adapted to coact with said toothed member for holding said movable roll in the position into which it is moved with respect to the other rolls, a manually controlled means mounted for rotary displacement within said tubular member for controlling the coaction of said pawl with said toothed member.

9. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, a pair of spaced movable members in which one of said rolls is journalledand adapted to permit movementV of l said roll toward or away from the other rolls, a tubular member connecting said spaced members, a rod passing through said tubular member and mounted with respect thereto to permit rotary displacement thereof, a toothed member relative to which said spaced members are movable and al pawlcoe acting therewith for locking said spaced members in the position into which they are moved, said pawl being mounted tov be moved into or out of engagement with said toothed member in accordance with the direction of the rotary displacement of said ro l0. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, a pair of spaced movablek members in which one of said rolls is journalled and adapted to permit movement of said roll toward or away from the other I rolls, means associated with each of said spaced `members adapted automatically to lock said roll in position 4upon movement thereof in one direction relative to said ment in the other direction adapted first to release said locking means and then to move said spaced members and said roll in the other direction.

1l. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, a pair of spaced movable members in which one of said rolls is journalled and adaptedA to permit movementl of said roll toward or away from the other rolls, means associated with each of said spaced members adapted automatically to lock said rolll in position upon movement thereof in one direction relative to said other roll, a handle associated with said lpair of spaced members for manually moving 'said members and said roll and mounted for limited movement with respect thereto in the other direction relative to. said other rolls, and means responsive to said limited .relative movement between sai-dj handle-and said members for releasing said automatic locking means.

12. In apparatus' of the Y character described, in combination, a plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, a pair of spaced movable members in which one of said rolls is journalled and adapted to permit movement of said roll toward or away from the other rolls, means. associated with each of said spaced members adapted automatically to lock said roll in position upon movement thereof in one direction relative to said other roll, and manually controlled means movably mounted within said tubular member for releasing both of said locking means.

13. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, aV pair of spaced movable members in which one of said rolls is journalled and adapted to permit movement of said roll toward or away from the other rolls, means associated with each of said spaced members adapted automatically to lock said roll in position upon movement thereof in one direction relative to said other roll, a tubular member for rigidly connecting said spaced members, handle means for moving said movable roll including a handle portion rigidly mounted upon said tubular member and a second handle portion associated therewith, but relatively movable with respect thereto, and mea-ns passing through said tubular member and toward each end thereof adapted to be responsive to the relative movement of said second handle portion for releasing both of said-locking means.

14. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, a pair of spaced movable members in which one of said 'rolls is journalled and adapted to permit movement of said roll toward or away from the other rolls, a transversely extending brace for rigidly connecting said two spaced members, locking mechanism for locking said movable roll in position upon movement thereof, and manually controlled means movably mounted co-axially with said brace for releasing said locking mechanism.

15. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, a pair of spaced movable members in which one of said rolls is journalledV and adaptedto permit movement of said roll toward or away from the other rolls, a transversely extending brace for rigidly connecting said two spaced members,"loclring mechanism for locking said movable roll in position upon movement thereof, and manually controlled means mounted lengthwise of said brace and movable with respect thereto for releasing said locking mechanism;

16. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, a pair of spaced movable members in which one of said rolls is journalled and adapted to permit movement of sai-d roll toward or away from the other rolls, a transversely extending brace for rigidly connecting said two spaced members, locking mechanism for locking said movable roll in Vposition upon movement thereof, handle means for moving said movable roll comprising two parts, one of which is xedly mounted upon said brace and the other of which is movable with respect thereto, and means movable by said movable part of said handle means and mounted co-aXially with said brace adapted to release said locking mechanism upon movement thereof.

17. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, a pair of spaced movable members in which one of said rolls is journalled and adapted to permit movement of said roll toward or away from the other rolls, means for rigidly connecting said two spaced members, a member relative to which said spaced members are movable having a series of recesses adjacent e ch of said 'spaced members and extending in the direction of movement thereof, a pawl member on each of said spaced members, each pawl adapted to coact with one of said recessed members for holding said spaced members in position upon movement thereof, and common means for actuating two said pawls.

18. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality oit rotatable sizing rolls, a pair of spaced movable members in which one of said rolls is journalled and adapted to permit movement of said roll toward or away from the other rolls. means for rigidly connectin said two spaced members, a member relative to which said spaced members are movable having a series of recesses adjacent each of "iid spaced members and extending in the direction of movement thereof, a pawl member on each of said spaced members. each pawl adapted to coact with one of said recessed members for holding said spaced members in position upon movement thereof, handle means for moving said movable roll comprising two parts, 'one of which is rigidly mounted upon said connecting means and the other of which is movable 4with respect thereto, and means responsive to the relative movement of said second part of said handle means for actuating said two pawl members.

19. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, a pair of pivotally supported spaced arms in which one of said rolls is journalled and adapted upon movement thereof about their respective pivotal supports to carry said rolls supported thereby toward or away from the other rolls, an

arcuate toothed member relative to which said movable arms are movable and mounted with respect thereto so that the center of said arcuate member is substantially coincident with the pivot about which said arms swing, and a manually controlled member carried by one of said arms and adapted to coact with said toothed member for holding said movable roll in the position into which it is moved.

20. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, a pair of spaced arms in which one of said rolls is journalled and pivotally mounted to permit movement of said roll toward or away from the other rolls about the pivotal support of said arms, a pair of arcuate recessed members rigidly mounted and relative to which said arms are movable positioned with respect to said arms so that the center of said arcuate members is substantially coincident with the pivotal support of said arms, and a pair of manually controlled members, connected one with each of said arms and movable there- .with, adapted to engage said recessed members respectively, thereby to hold said movable roll in the position into which it is moved.

each of said spaced movable members, each comprising a member relative to which said spaced movable members are movable and an engaging member for coaction therewith and movable with said movable roll for holding the latter in the position intowhich it is moved, and a manually controlled member rotatably mounted in said spaced movable members and adapted upon rotary movement thereof to control the coaction of said engaging members with said fixed members.

22. In apparatus of the character vdescribed, in combination, a plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, means mounting one of said rolls to permit it to be moved toward or away from the other rolls, means for holding said movableroll in position when moved in one direction with respect to said other rolls, means for urging said roll in the other direction comprising a spring connected at one end thereof to said roll mounting means, an arm fixedly pivoted at one end and connected at its other end to the otherend of said spring, and means for adtatable sizing rolls, mea-ns mountingV one of said rolls to permit it to be moved toward or away from the other rolls, means for holding said movable roll in position when moved in one direction with respect to said other rolls, means for urging said roll in the other direction comprising a spring connected at one end thereof to said roll mounting means, an arm having secured at its one end the other end of said spring, and means mounting said arm to permit it to be adjustably positioned to vary the tension of said spring.

24. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of rotatable sizing rolls,.means mounting one of saidrollsto permit it to be moved toward or away from the other rolls, means for holding'said movable roll in position when moved in one direction with respect to said other rolls, means for urging said roll in the other direction comprising a spring connected at one end thereof to said roll mounting means, a toothed member having secured thereto the other end of said spring, a rigidly positioned toothed member for coa-ction with `said first mentioned toothed member, and means for holding said toothed members in interlocking relation in any desired position with respect to one another for adjusting the tension of said spring.

25. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, means mounting one of said rolls to permit it to be moved toward or away from the other rolls, means for holding said movable roll in position when moved in one direction with respect to said z other rolls, means for urging said roll in the other direction comprising a spring connected vat one end thereof to said roll mounting means, an arm having secured thereto at one end the other end of said spring and being formed at the other end to provide a gear-like hub, a fixed gear-like member, and means pivotally mounting said arm withirespect to said fixed member adapted to permit said gear-like members to be locked together in any desired inter-engaging position thereof for adjusting the tension of sam spring.

26. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, means mountingone of said rolls to permit it to be moved toward or away from the other rolls, and means for controlling the movementof said movable roll including a toothed stop member, a fixed toothed member with respect to which said toothed stop member may be adjustably positioned, .and means for holding said toothed members in inter-engaging position.

27. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, means mounting one o1 said rolls to permit it to be moved toward or away from the other rolls, and means for controlling the movement of said movable roll with respect to the other rolls including a stop arm shaped to provide agearlike hub member, a fixed gear-like member with respect to which said stop armmay be adjusta-bly swung, and means for holding said gear-like members in inter-engaging position.

28. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, a pair' of spaced movable members providing bearings in which the shaft of one of said rolls is journalled and adapted to permit movement of said roll toward or away from the other rolls, a bushing surrounding said shaft and interposed therebetween and said bearing for protecting said shaft against wear, and a pair of collars on said shaft, one on each side of said bushing, for clamping' said bushing in position and to rotate with said shaft.

29. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, a pair of spaced movable ineinb fs providing bearings in which the shaft of one of said rolls is journalled and adapted to permit movement of said roll toward or away from the other rolls, a bushing on said shaft interposed therebetween and said bearing for protecting said shaft against wear, said bushing abutting against one end `ofthe roll on said shaft, and means for clamping said bushingagainst the end of said roll.

30. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, each having a driving shaft, means mounting one of said rolls to permit it to be moved `toward or away from the other rolls, journal means foi` supporting the shaft of one of said rolls, a bushing on said shaft interposed therebetween and said journal means for protecting said shaft against wear, rigid means against which one end of said bushing abuts, means for clamping said bushing against said rigid means to insure its rotation with said shaft, and a ball-bearing having its outer race supported in said journal means and having its inner race interposed between the other end of said bushing and said clamping means. j

31. In apparatus ofV the 'character described, in combination, plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, each havinga driving shaft, means mounting one of said rolls to permitV it to be moved toward oraway fronr the otl' er rolls, journal means for supporting the shaft of one of said rolls, a bushing on said shaftinterposed therebetween and said journal means for protecting said shaft against wear, a collar on said shaft and avainst which one end of said bushin(r abuts means for clamping said bushing against said collar, and a ball-bearing having its outer race supportedby said journal means and having its inner race interposed between the other end of said bushing and said clamping means.

32. In apparatus ofthe character described, in combination, aV plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, each having a driving shaft, means mounting one of said rolls to permit it to be moved toward or away from the other rolls, journal means for supporting the shaft of one of said rolls, a ball-bearing havingy its outer race supported by said journal means and having its inner race supported on said shaft, and means for enclosing said ball-bearing within said journal means.` 1

In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, a pair of spaced movable members in which one of said rolls is journalled and adapted to permit movement of one roll toward or away from the other rolls, means for moving said movable roll comprising a handle rigidly connected with said spaced movable members, and means mounting said handle with respect thereto, adapted to permit angular adjustment thereof with respectto the direction of movement of said movable roll. i

84. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, a pair of spaced movable members in which one of said rolls is journalled and adapted to permit movement of one roll toward or away from the other rolls, a rigid member connecting said spaced movable members, a handle pivotally mounted upon said connecting member, and meansV mounting said handle thereon adapted to permit angular adjustment thereof about its pivot with respect to the direction of movementA of said movable roll;

35. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, means mounting one of said rolls to permit it to be moved toward or away from the other rolls, and means forming projections on said rolls comprising a substantially rigid material capable of 'transmitting a substantial thrust without yielding, non-absorbent and having a fibrous composition so that its surface is capable of frictional holding when wet.

36. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, means mounting one of said rolls to permit it to beV moved toward or away from the other rolls, each of said rolls being non-absorbent, and means forming projections upon each of said rolls comprising a substantially rigid material capa-Y out yielding, non-absorbent and having a fibrous composition so that its .surface is capable of frictional holding when wet.

37. In a sizing machine for hat bodies, in combination, a cylindrical sizing roll, a shaft passing axially through said roll and projecting from the ends thereof, bearings in which the projecting ends of said shaft are rotatably supported, means for rotating said shaft, and a pair of metal members one at each end of said roll, each of said members comprising a metal plate secured to and covering the end ofthe roll, having a peripheral flange into which the end portion of the roll fits and a central opening through which said shaft passes, said opening being surrounded by a hub portion closely fitting said shaft and removably connected in driving relation with said shaft, said pair of metal members thus closing the ends of said roll against access of water or dye thereto and forming a driving connection between said shaft and said roll.

38. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a sizing roll comprising a main body portion of a general cylindrical shape, a plurality of projecting' members on said roll, each of said members being under-cut at its respective ends, and securing means passing through said undercut portions of said projecting members.

39. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a sizing roll comprising a main body portion of a. general cylindrical shape, said main body portion being recessed at its outer surface, a plurality of projecting members seated within the recessed portions of said roll and undercut at one end thereof, and securing means passing through the under-cut portion of said members.

40. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a sizing roll, and projecting means thereon arranged spirally, said spiral means being in sections and arranged end to end, adjacent ends overlapping one another.

4l. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a sizing roll comprising a main body portion, spiral projecting means thereon comprising a plurality of sections arranged end to end and in overlapping relation at adjacent ends, and securing means therefor arranged at said overlapping adjacent ends.

' groove therein,

42. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a sizing roll comprising a main body portion having a spiral projecting means seated within said groove andcomprising a plurality of sections, each section being undercut at its end, and means for securing said sections at the under-cut portions thereof to said main body portion. l

43. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a sizing roll comprising a main body portion having a spiral recess therein, projecting means seated within said recess and comprising a plurality of sections overlapping one another at adjacent ends, and means for securing said sections to said main body portion including means adapted to pass through the overlapping ends of said sections.

44. In apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, a pair of spaced movable members in which one of said rolls is journalled and adapted to permit movement of said roll toward or away from the other rolls, means vfor holding said spaced members in the position into which they are moved con'iprising` a fixed member and an engaging member coacting therewith, and means mounting said engaging member to move with said pair of spaced members, said means including a connection adapted to permit said engaging member to yield with respect to said spaced movable members.

45. In apparatus of the character described, in combinati-on, a plurality of rotatable sizing rolls, a pair of spaced movable members in which one of saidjrolls is journalled and adapted to permit movement of said roll toward or away from the other rolls, a rigidly positioned toothed member, a pawl movable with said spaced members and adapted to engage said toothed member to hold said movable roll in the position into which it is moved, and means mounting said pawl to be movable with said spaced members, said means including a connection adapted to permit` said pawl to yield with respect to said spaced movablel members. Y

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification this twentieth day of December, 1923.

GUSTAV S. BOESCH. 

